Ethology Flashcards
Define “Ethology”
The study of the behaviour of animals that are under some form of human management.
What is the relevance of ethology in animal production?
- safety for handlers and animals
- feeding behaviour: need to grow and produce
- social behaviour: srucial for housing and preventing injuries
- reproductive behaviour: detection of estrus, maternal behaviour
- animal welfare assessments: signs of illness, pain, fear, frustration
“Understading the behaviour of livestok will…
facilitate handling, reduce stress, improve handler safety, and improve animal welfare.”
Relevance of ethology in wildlife/zoos
- understanding normal, natural behviour is crucial to survival in captivity
- prevent the development of stereotypic behaviours
- necessary for disease detection
- safe handling: to apply treatment, procedures
Relevance of ethology in pet industry
- public safety: from bites, injuries
- preserving human-animal bond
- safe handling
- prevenet behaviour problems in the first place
Relevance of ethology in veterinary clinic setting
- indication of patient illness
- safe animal handling
- patient welfare
- be a source of expertise and guidance
What are the 3 approaches to studying behaviour?
- ethological approach
- experiential approach
- physiological approach
Define “ethological approach”
understand an animal’s natural behaviour in the wild, specifically considering the behaviour’s adaptive value
Define “experiential approach”
Understand an animal’s behaviour acquired from early experience or learning
Define “physiological approach”
Understand how an animals biology influences the animal’s behaviour
What are Niko Tibergen’s 4 questions understanding behaviour?
- CAUSATION: What signals elicit the behaviour? What immediate mechanisms underlie the behaviour?
- ONTOGENY: How does the behaviour develop or change throughout an animal’s life?
- SURVIVAL VALUE: What is the adaptive value of the behaviour? How does it helo the animal survive or reproduce?
- PHYLOGENY: How did the behaviour evolve through generations/in the species?
How do animals communicate?
- visual signals
- auditory signals
- olfactory signals
What are the pros and cons of visual signals?
PROS:
- clear and explicit
- can be started, stopped or altered quickly
CONS:
- intended recipient needs to be in close enough range to see the signaller clearly
What are the pros and cos of auditory signals?
PROS:
- the signaller does not have to be seen by the intended recipient
- sounds can be effective over long distance
- can be started, stopped, or altered quickly
CONS:
- the sound may be heard and exploited by an unintended receiver (eg. enemy or predator)
- sounds may become distorted by distance or overpowered by other sounds
What are the pros and cons of olfactory signals?
PROS:
- long lasting: information can be deposited by the signalled and read by the recipient when the signaller is no longer in the area
- ideal for solitary species or animals at risk of predation
CONS:
- information cannot be altered or retracted
- contamination by microorganisms may alter the intended information
